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Department of
SOCIAL SERVICES

Community Care Licensing


COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT

Facility Number: 304371675
Report Date: 04/27/2026
Date Signed: 04/27/2026 11:31:38 AM

Substantiated


STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Karen Navar
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260216124451
FACILITY NAME:KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGEFACILITY NUMBER:
304371675
ADMINISTRATOR:MENESES, KENYAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:232 EAST KATELLA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(949) 562-8749
CITY:ORANGESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92867
CAPACITY:114CENSUS: 62DATE:
04/27/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Director-Kenya MenesesTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 4/27/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), K. Navar conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. Upon arrival LPA met with Director Kenya Meneses and was led on a tour of the facility. LPA observed a total of 6 infants with 3 staff members and 56 preschool age children along with 8 staff. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 02/19/2026.

A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios.

On 02/16/2026, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner. Report Party (RP) stated through video footage they witnessed a daycare provider handling Child #1 (C1) by force. Continue to page 2.

Substantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 1 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
NARRATIVE
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During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 2/19/2026, conducted Infant classroom and live video observations, reviewed sign-in/out sheets for Infant Room, 7 (seven) Kiddie Academy Infant Toddler Schedule (Infant Needs and Service Plan), Unusual Incident Report (UIR) Dated 2/12/2026, Accident Injury Report for C1, Illness Record for C1, Kiddie Academy Parent Essentials Handbook, and Written Declaration from C2. LPA also conducted interviews with the reporting party, 6 (six) staff, and parents. Infants were unable to be interviewed due to limited vocabulary.

On 02/19/2026, LPA toured facility with Director Kenya Meneses. During inspection on this date LPA observed infant staff (S3-S6) caring for infants and supporting infants with their individual needs. On 2/19/2026 at 1:18PM, LPA observed live video footage of Infant classroom nap room from the administration office. During LPA observation of infant nap room there was 1 (one) staff member and 3 (three) infants. Of the 8 (eight) cribs in the nap room 2 (two) of the cribs were being used by sleeping infants and 1 (one) infant was asleep on a cot. The 1 staff member was sitting in a rocking chair that was facing 2 (two) of the 3 (three) sleeping infants. 1 (one) infant was asleep in a crib right next to the staff member on their left side.

During LPA interviews 5 (five) of 6 (six) staff stated personal rights of a child is to make sure they have a safe environment and that their needs are met. 3 (three) staff interviewed stated they understood what it was to be a Child Mandated Reporter and have taken the training. 5 (five) staff interviewed stated they have not witnessed a staff member handle a child (infant) in a rough manner and that they have never handled a child (infant) in a rough manner.

On 2/23/2026, LPA received video footage labeled Kiddie Academy of Orange 1 dated February 6, 2026, and time stamped 12:01PM. Video Footage was 2:28 minutes long and had recorded an incident between a staff member 6 (S6) and an infant (C1). During LPA’s review of video recording, LPA observed Staff 6 (S6) was sitting on a blue mat next to a wall with a mirror on it. While sitting on the mat S6 was holding an infant up with their left arm and infants’ body stretched across S6 lap while bottle feeding. C1 who was sitting in front of S6 had leaned toward S6 and then S6 placed their right hand on C1’s upper arm/shoulder area in a grabbing type way and firmly placed C1 back down to a sitting position on the blue mat.

Continue to page 3.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 2 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
NARRATIVE
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Page 3
LPA then observed C1 to lean toward S6 and S6 again placed right hand on C1s upper shoulder area in a grabbing type way and pushed C1 back to a sitting position. C1 continued to lean toward S6 and S6 placed hand in an open position on C1’s chest area C1’s body leans forward toward S6 and S6 firmly kept hand on chest and shook head back and forth. Then from 29 sec.-1:00 min. LPA observed C1 to lay in front of S6 on the blue mat and placed head next to S6 left leg and then sat up to climb onto S6. S6 then placed their left hand on C1’s upper arm area and grabbed C1 with force and turned C1’s body where it was facing towards the mirror. From 1:02- 2:28 minutes S6 continued to push and grab at C1’s arm area and body area every time C1 leaned into or crawled towards S6. At 1:38 minutes into the video LPA observed C1 to reach towards S6 and S6 swatted with their hand towards C1 to push C1 away while holding the infant who was bottle feeding. From 1:46-1:48 minutes S1 pushed and grabbed at C1 and pushed C1 with force into a lay down position into the blue mat.

On 11/15/2024, LPA conducted parent interviews. LPA called 5 parents and 3 of the parents called were able to be interviewed. All parents interviewed did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation or express any concerns regarding care of children.

During today’s visit 04/27/2026 LPA reviewed video footage incident with Director Kenya dated 02/06/2026 at 12:01PM and discussed personal rights of children.

Based on LPA’s observations, interviews with reporting party and reviewing video footage dated 02/06/2026, the preponderance of evidence has been met; therefore, the allegation of Staff handled day care child in an inappropriate manner is Substantiated. California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapter 1 Section 101223(a)(1), Personal Rights Type A violation is being cited. See LIC9099D for deficiency cited.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 3 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868

FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
DEFICIENCY INFORMATION FOR THIS PAGE:
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
Deficiency Type
POC Due Date /
Section Number
DEFICIENCIES
PLAN OF CORRECTIONS(POCs)
Type A
04/29/2026
Section Cited
CCR
101223(a)(1)
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101223(a)(1) Personal Rights. (a) The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (1) To be accorded dignity in his/her personal relationships with staff and other persons.This regulation was not met as evidenced by:
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Director stated Infant Room Staff will take trainingby watching Dept. Social Services Care and Surpervsion video, and provide LPA with a copy of Infant Room Care and Performance plan with staff signatures.
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Based on review of video footage dated 2/06/26, LPA observed (S6) to use their hand to grab and push C1 away multiple times. This poses an immediate risk to the health, safety, and personal rights of children in care.
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Failure to correct the cited deficiency(ies), on or before the Plan of Correction (POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 5 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
NARRATIVE
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Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Kenya Meneses. The director was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door for 30 days. Failure to post will result in a Civil Penalty of a $100.00. Appeal Rights and deficiencies were discussed.

LPA Karen Navar informed Director Kenya Meneses that this report 04/27/2026, documents 1 Type A citation which shall be posted for 30 consecutive days as there is/are immediate risk(s) to the health, safety, or personal rights of children in care.

Also, LPA informed Director to provide a copy of this licensing report dated 04/27/2026 that documents any Type A citation to parents/guardians of all children currently enrolled by the next business day or the next day the children are in care, and to any newly enrolled parents/guardians for 12 months from the date of this report. A signed Acknowledgement of Receipt of Licensing Report (LIC 9224), or other written statement, must be placed in the child's file for verification.

End of Report.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 4 of 11
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
This is an official report of an unannounced visit/investigation of a complaint received in our office on
02/16/2026 and conducted by Evaluator Karen Navar
COMPLAINT CONTROL NUMBER: 06-CC-20260216124451

FACILITY NAME:KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGEFACILITY NUMBER:
304371675
ADMINISTRATOR:MENESES, KENYAFACILITY TYPE:
860
ADDRESS:232 EAST KATELLA AVENUETELEPHONE:
(949) 562-8749
CITY:ORANGESTATE: CAZIP CODE:
92867
CAPACITY:114CENSUS: 62DATE:
04/27/2026
UNANNOUNCEDTIME BEGAN:
09:00 AM
MET WITH:Director-Kenya MenesesTIME COMPLETED:
12:00 PM
ALLEGATION(S):
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Day care child sustained an injury due to staff neglect.
Staff changed day care child's bottle without responsible party's consent.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS:
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On 04/27/2026, Licensing Program Analyst (LPA), Karen Navar conducted an unannounced complaint inspection for the purpose of delivering findings. This is a continuation of a complaint inspection initiated on 2/19/2026.

Upon arrival the LPA met with Director Kenya Meneses and was led on a tour of the facility both inside and outside. LPA observed a total of 6 infants 3 infant staff and 56 preschool children along with 8 preschool staff.

A review of the Facility Report Summary on this date indicates all facility staff or other individuals who require caregiver background checks have received criminal record and child abuse index clearances or exemptions. During today’s inspection the facility was operating within its licensed capacity and within compliance of staffing ratios. Continue to page 2.
Unsubstantiated
Estimated Days of Completion:
SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
This report must be available at Child Care and Group Home facilities for public review for 3 years.
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 6 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
NARRATIVE
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On 02/16/2026, the Orange County Child Care Office received a complaint alleging: 1) Day care child sustained an injury due to staff neglect. 2) Staff changed day care child's bottle without responsible party's consent. Reporting Party (RP) stated that Child #1 (C1) had sustained a head injury while in care that staff member did not know about. RP also stated that the day care changed C1’s bottles nipple without parental consent.

During the investigation, LPA toured the facility on 2/19/2026, conducted Infant classroom and live video observations, reviewed sign-in/out sheets for Infant Room, 7 (seven) Kiddie Academy Infant Toddler Schedule (Infant Needs and Service Plan), Unusual Incident Report (UIR) Dated 2/12/2026, Accident Injury Report for C1, Illness Record for C1, Kiddie Academy Parent Essentials Handbook, and Written Declaration from C2. LPA also conducted interviews with the reporting party, 6 (six) staff, and parents. Infants were unable to be interviewed due to limited vocabulary.

On 02/19/2026, LPA toured facility with Director Kenya Meneses. During inspection on this date LPA observed infant staff (S3-S6) caring for infants and supporting infants with their individual needs. On 2/19/2026 at 1:18PM, LPA observed live video footage of Infant classroom nap room from the administration office. During LPA observation of infant nap room there was 1 (one) staff member and 3 (three) infants. Of the 8 (eight) cribs in the nap room 2 (two) of the cribs were being used by sleeping infants and 1 (one) infant was asleep on a cot. The 1 (one) staff member was sitting in a rocking chair that was facing 2 (two) of the 3 (three) sleeping infants. 1 (one) infant was asleep in a crib right next to the staff member on their left side.

Regarding allegation “Day care child sustained an injury due to staff neglect:”

During staff interview, 4 (four) of 6 (six) staff interviewed stated that personal rights of a child is to provide a safe environment. 4 (four) of 6 (six) staff said that they communicate with each other and if an incident happens, they will report it to administration, and an incident report is completed and a copy given to the families. 5 (five) interviewed staff stated that there are cameras in the classroom that are recording live footage/ongoing where admin and parents can watch. Staff #2 (S2) stated an Unusual Incident Report (UIR) was completed on 2/12/2026 and sent to Department of Social Services-Child Care regarding C1 had been scratched on the ear when the other infant was trying to get a book.

Continue to page 3.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 7 of 11
Control Number 06-CC-20260216124451
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY

COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION REPORT (Cont)		CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION
ORANGE COUNTY CC RO, 750 THE CITY DRIVE, SUITE 250
ORANGE, CA 92868
FACILITY NAME: KIDDIE ACADEMY OF ORANGE
FACILITY NUMBER: 304371675
VISIT DATE: 04/27/2026
NARRATIVE
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The incident happened on 2/11/2026 and the Accident/Injury report was completed and given to C1’s parent; however, the parent refused to sign it. S2 provided LPA with a copy of Accident/Injury Report with C1’s name, date of incident, and description of what took place and a copy of the UIR report that was completed and turned into Department of Social Services-Child Care on 2/12/2026.

Staff #2 (S2) provided a Declaration LIC855 stating there were 2 incident reports for C1 on 2/11/2026. 1 (one) report was regarding the scratch on C1s’ ear and C1’s parent refused to sign the report. The other report was regarding C1 had a temperature of 100.1 that C1’s parent also refused to sign. S2 provided LPA with a copy of Illness Record.

Regarding allegation “Staff changed day care child's bottle without responsible party's consent:”

During staff interviews with 6 (six) staff, 5 (five) staff stated that there was a recent concern in the infant classroom regarding a bottle being sent home to the wrong infant. 5 (five) staff interviewed stated the bottles come premade from home with the infant’s name/date on the bottle. As a courtesy, the staff rinsed the bottles out by separating the nipple, lid, and bottle after use. All 5 (five) staff stated that the infants were never given the wrong bottle, but the wrong nipples went home between C1 and C2. 5 (five) staff interviewed stated that the nipples do not have the infants name on them. After the incident happened, the staff stopped rinsing out the bottles. They just returned the bottles to the family to clean at home. During records review LPA reviewed 7 (seven) Kiddie Academy Infant Toddler Schedule (Infant Needs and Service Plan) to be on file for infants in care and C1.

During parent interviews. LPA called 5 parents and LPA was able to interview 3 parents. The 3 interviewed parents did not divulge any information pertaining to the allegation.

Based on LPA observations, interviews, and records review; the preponderance of evidence standard has not been met. Although the allegations may have happened or are valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violations of; 1) Day care child sustained an injury due to staff neglect. 2) Staff changed day care child's bottle without responsible party's consent; therefore, the allegations are UNSUBSTANTIATED.

Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with Director Kenya Meneses. The Director was informed that the “Notice of Site Visit” must be posted on or adjacent to the door for 30 days. Failure to post will result in a Civil Penalty of a $100.00.

SUPERVISORS NAME: Thuy Ho
LICENSING EVALUATOR NAME: Karen Navar
LICENSING EVALUATOR SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my licensing appeal rights as explained and received.
FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE:

DATE: 04/27/2026
LIC9099 (FAS) - (06/04)
Page: 8 of 11